My Special Song...

Can't believe it has been three years already. I have healed, but I will never forget.

Twenty Eight Thousand.

Something very significant happened here in 1933. 

It was here, under Hitler's rule, that he ordered over 28000 books be burnt and it happened right there at that stark square called Bebelplatz.  It was the first (of many) book burnings that happened across the country.  Any books that were deemed 'un-German' and especially ones that were written by Jews, Communists and Pacifists, were taken from libraries, people's homes, and burnt.  It was part of the 'cleansing' of Hitler's rule.

Now in the place where this happened stands a lone window pane,  down in the square, of a white room, each side having multiple book shelves - all of them empty.  Designed by Michael Ullmann, it is called 'Empty Library' to commemorate the event.

As you can imagine it is difficult to photograph.

As you can also imagine, it was pretty hard for a 6 year old book-lover to understand why anyone would want to burn books. =(

Fuhrerbunker

Literally 100 metres down the road from the Holocaust Memorial, lies Hitler's Bunker. I'm not 100% sure what I was expecting when we walked down there that morning, but I knew I wanted to see 'it', what ever it was.

 The bunker was indicated on a few maps I had and when we got to the intersection where it supposedly was, there stood a sign in front of a dirt car park.

It was one of those moments when you thought 'Oh My God' and a shiver went down my spine.  Written in both German and English, the sign explained that the site where we were standing once housed the Bunker where Hitler lived and 'worked' from.  There was a detailed picture showing what the outlay of it looked like, and where it exactly was in indication to the current lay out of buildings.  It indicates the room and the place where Hitler ended his own life.  As the building was initially buried, bar a roof was visible, it ends up that the roof was torn down and the rooms all filled in with dirt and sand (walls left standing) and now in its place is the sandy, dirty and stoned filled car park, with a cobblestone path and a grassed edge.

Very chilling indeed.

Learning to Smile :-)

My beautiful 5.3 kilo baby is beginning to give us some rewards.  

By attempting to smile.

We've all had quite a few smiles given to us, but alas the camera is never there to capture the right moment.

We are nearing Lily's 6th week but it feels like she's always been here.  I know, I have said that before but it is so true.  She is growing wonderfully, sleeps pretty well at night, though it is pot luck if she sleeps for a 6-hour stint or a 4-hour stint at a time, but I'm not complaining.  When she wakes during the night (usually) after a quick 20 minute feed she goes back down without a drama.  We've only had a few nights where she'll cry and not go back to sleep at 1am (or whatever early am time it is) in the morning for a couple of hours.  

Clothing wise, she's out of the 0-3 month old wear.  She's definitely into her 3-6 month old wear (probably similar sizing to an Aussie 00) and before I know it, she'll be the next size up - she seems to be growing at an incredible rate.  

I still can't get over how much she looks like a baby Monet.  When feeding or holding Lily I feel like I am in a time warp of 5 years ago and I'm nursing baby Monet in Melbourne with our city view apartment.  It is scary stuff when that happens!

I'm blessed to have two most gorgeous girls and am very much in love.  

Especially when they attempt to smile...

38

I was 38 weeks pregnant yesterday.  I don't think there could possibly be any more room for my body to expand...

...My tummy is as hard as a rock.  At times the shape of it is quite lopsided and I can sit there at night and watch it change shape.  Pretty freaky stuff really.  Monet gets quite a thrill when she sees it move and none of us can wait to meet this newbie.

I'm having a funny week.  I know all about hormones and what they do to you when pregnant, but I have also been thinking a lot about my previous pregnancy and this was the week last year, which is etched terribly into my mind.  Probably the worst week of my life to be honest.  

Even though I never try and dwell on the past, I did want to share my story with you of what happened....

When given our options last year, the Cairns Base Hospital were truly wonderful.  As much bagging that hospital does get at times (you have to be a FNQ-er to understand) they were terrific.  As I opted for a CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling), the hospital flew me down to Brisbane for the day as that procedure is not done at Cairns.   The risk of doing the CVS was something we had considered.  Statistics show that there is a small percentage of miscarriage in doing the procedure (waters could break) but Lyndon and I felt that we 'had' to know how our baby was.  The next possible test could only be done a few weeks later and we felt we didn't have time.  We would not have been able to relax...

I went alone, even though Lyndon was keen to go, I knew this was something I had to do by myself.  I like to 'stress' alone and I knew I would be stressed and anything I was feeling, poor innocent Lyndon would get the brunt of it.  

I had the procedure done and I can honestly say it was the most painful procedure I had ever endured.  Worst than childbirth!  People told me, oh no, it isn't painful, but let me tell you - I thought it was!   I left the hospital and headed back to the airport feeling confident.  I was so glad the procedure was done and dusted and actually felt calm and happy.  (Probably more relieved than anything).  I was back on the plane before I knew it and back to my little family.

I was told to take it easy, which I was, when the following lunch time I felt big pains.  Big pains.  I was told this could happen.  I went and laid down but the pain wouldn't stop.  Lyndon forced me to ring up the hospital who told me to come in.  We drove in and went to Emergency.  I was seen quickly (got obs done) then waited again in the waiting room.  Lyndon had taken Monet out for a walk and run around on the Esplanade, I went to the toilet.  I discovered I was bleeding and then I was taken immediately into the Emergency ward, once I called Lyndon to return.  

I can remember the pain - oh the pain - and was given doses of morphine (hello!) to stop it, which it did.  My Obstetrician came and they could still find a heartbeat on the fetus, much to my relief.  But being a late Saturday they could not get a sonographer in to take a proper look.  I was seen by numerous doctors, nurses who were all great and it was decided that I should stay in hospital for observation.  I was given a drip and was wheeled away into a ward to spend the night.  And the next day.  

I was the first patient the sonographer saw on the Monday morning and I will never forget being wheeled down and being told that no heartbeat could be found.  I had known inside that the baby had died, but to have it confirmed was dreadful.  So dreadful.  I remember sitting back in the wheelchair and waiting for someone to take me back up into my ward, crying my eyes out.  One nurse walked by and gave me some comfort - though she had no idea why I was blubbering away, I was so grateful for her shoulder.  And the box of tissues she offered.

To cut a long story short, the following day I was induced (after some counselling) and ended up having to have a curet at around midnight.  

I had spent 5 days, 4 nights in hospital and was relieved to be able to go home, back to my daughter and husband and my waiting mother.  

The weeks that followed I was given much support and sympathy (many of you included, especially Trish & Lani), but I also felt guilt about having the CVS, which deep down I knew caused me to miscarriage at 14 weeks. 

At least the organising of moving to Abu Dhabi kept my mind occupied.  I did receive a phone call from the hospital telling me my results were in.  I wasn't ready (as such) to be told about the fetus, I opted my results be sent to my parent's address in Victoria, where I would be in a week or so.  I knew then, I could open the envelope in private and deal with what was on the paper as best as I could.  

When I did open that envelope in the weeks that followed, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  Physically.  And mentally.   My results showed that the fetus had Trisomy 18.  Just one of those things that happen at conception and not hereditary.  Just. One. Of. Those. Things. 

In a way I am glad that I had to go through what I did.  Made me appreciate this pregnancy more and it made me so much more aware how precious actually having a baby/child actually is.  As much as I might whinge about this big lump of a body with this big bubba inside, I could not be more pleased.  Or happier.

Where Else In The World...

...can you see Buckingham Palace?...

(I swear every time I have been there has been a sign at the front reading "Changing of the Guard on Tomorrow at 11:30am" - I have yet to see a proper Changing of the Guard in all the times I have been there.  It is a bit like the Ettamogah Pub painted sign that reads 'Free Beer Tomorrow" if you ask me!)

...Piccadilly Circus?...

...the Lions in Trafalgar Square?...

...the Horse Guards?...

...Downing Street?...

...Dinosaurs?...

...and Charles Darwin, all in the same city, on the same day?

You know how much we enjoy London and you all know how much I look forward to returning for a visit there again some day.  

(Good thing my sister lives there so I really don't need an excuse to visit again.)

Flashback Friday - Jeff Buckley

Now, this bloke could sing.  Not only could the exquisite Jeff Buckley belt out a tune, he could belt it out live on stage...  (Please watch as you will certainly know what I mean after watching!)

I own the above concert on DVD and no matter how many times I watch it, it *still* sends shivers up my spine.

I was so very (very) fortunate to see Jeff Buckley play live in early 1996, at Melbourne's Palais Theater. (Sometimes it is my claim to fame, considering that he died a year later.) If you happen to know the Theater, and have ever been in the upper half of it, you would know that they are not normal chairs. The front half (which I was like 3 rows back from) are more like comfortable lounge chairs. Blissful, especially at a Jeff Buckley concert. I think I spent half the concert (and it wasn't only me!) who had their eyes shut. Jeff was mesmerising with his singing. I will never forget.

Never.

*sigh*  

What a Friday Flashback this is for me.  

Appointment time? Tooth-Hurty. True.

I never told you about Monet's latest tooth trouble have I?

Now, those of you who have been reading this blog for a past couple of years may just remember this post and this one too.  We thought the dodgy tooth/teeth issue was all in the past.  Much to my displeasure, it was not.

Back in August Monet began complaining a little about having a sore tooth when eating sometimes.  Not all the time, maybe every few weeks it would bug her and she'd say something.  I just knew it was one of those bloody back teeth.  I rang around the dentists in Cairns and got her into one, though it was something like 3 days away.  

We finally went and the dentist informed me that he wanted me to take her to get x-rays taken of the back right tooth (all others looked well) as the abscess on her gum was still present and was flaring up.  Since I was pregnant at the time I couldn't take her and then a week or so later all the trouble with my pregnancy happened and the last thing on my mind was getting Monet's tooth seeing too.  Yeah, Mother of the Year Award stuff, I know.  

As I said before it only flared up once in a while (say once a month for a couple of hours at a time) and in the back of my mind I knew I had to get it seen to.  The guilt, oh the guilt.  

It wasn't until we moved over here and Monet complained and I knew I just had to get her seen to.  No excuses this time.  She had complained early one Sunday morning (just before Christmas) when I heard her crunching on something.  WTF?  I got Monet to spit in my hand what she was crunching on.  It seemed like it was a filling of some kind.  Gee, didn't I feel good?  I looked in her mouth.  Oh F***!  Her back right tooth's filling wasn't there.  There was a big gaping hole.  F***!

I rang Lyndon in a panic and being the wonderful man he is, he rang around and got her into see a dentist that afternoon.  Now, we know that would not have happened in Cairns.  (Getting into a Dentist straight away!)  

We took her in and the lovely female dentist was very grateful we had brought Monet in as soon as we could.  (Not that Monzie was in pain, I think I was more in pain than she!) They took an x-ray then and there,  examined the rest of her (healthy) teeth and explained that the dentist in Cairns, 20 months before hand had not got rid of all of the infection when he filled her tooth.  Arrrr.  

The cost of the 'emergency' consultation, not forgetting that x-ray, came to like $60AUD.  True.  

We went back two days later to have the tooth extracted.  Not nice but necessary because the tooth was not worth saving.  The root system had basically disintegrated so this had to be done.  Monet was very (very) brave, enduring three needles followed by the pulling out of her tooth.  

The cost of this I think came close to $200AUD.  

We returned for a check-up last week.  The cost?  Nothing.  Zip.  Nil.  Zilch.  

"No payment today" we were told as we went to the counter to pay.

"You sure?" we asked.

"Yes, no payment".  

We just about fell over on the spot.

We have to return in a few weeks time as the first of Monet's adult teeth (yep - she's an early one!) is just beginning to rupture.  It is the back molar, so when this comes through we have to return so the dentist can make a special loop of some kind, which allows the adult tooth to grow  through and leaves room where the extracted tooth was, for its new tooth to grow in about 5 years time.  This will save the new tooth growing on the wrong angle and causing us grief in the future.  

Let's hope all works out as planned.  (I hope I don't see myself blogging in 10 years time about Monet needing braces!)

2008, A Year That Was...

This past year has been a year of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  2008 will be a year I shall never forget, nor do I want to.   Some of the best things in my life happened and quite possible the worst thing to ever happen, happened.  But I regret nothing.  This year put a lot in prospective for me.

Basically we spent the whole year trying to get to the point at which we are right NOW.  In the United Arab Emirates.  Lyndon applied for the job he finally got many (many) months later, way back on January 7th.  That date is etched in our mind.  We knew we would finally get here but it took a bloody lot of hard work and perseverance and self-questioning and wondering 'is this the right thing to be doing now?', what are people going to think, what are our parents going to think taking their Granddaughter to not only a foreign country but an Islamic country etc., etc.,  But at the end of the day we knew what we had to do and we remind ourselves constantly that life is short and to make the most of any given situation or opportunity.  I think it is a wonderful way to view our lives.  

Moving to Abu Dhabi, not only was it a long time coming, it is actually more than what we thought it would be.  Even though only being here for the past month I feel a little sense of belonging, even without MY STUFF! Lol!!  This move has been the biggest thing of the year (obviously) and one that will never be forgotten, no matter what our future.  Once you move 'away', as we did in March 2006 from Melbourne to Cairns, you realise that yes, you can do anything and you can move anywhere.  You cope.  

The first four months of the year were spent constantly on the computer organising our Grand European trip.  Once the trip was all booked and paid for and all research was completed, gee I missed it!  It was definitely the travel agent in me coming out (I once did a Travel Agent's night course but just as I completed the course the bottom fell out of the travel industry due to the collapse of Ansett - remember that?  And then the whole 9/11 thing happened!)  

And what a wonderful holiday we had!  A definite high of the year.  I love being in new places and I especially love visiting  places I have been to before (hellllllo London!)  From London to Paris, to Munich to Venice - oh to do all that again, yes please!

But two weeks before our holiday, Lyndon and I got married.

 (Now you all realise it was in preparation of moving to the UAE now don't you? *heehee*)  Our day went exactly like we wanted and we had a better time than what we thought we would!  It was all organised and paid for within 4 weeks.  From our formal wear, to the alcohol.  The highest of the highs. Just brilliant.

The lowest of the lows happened on September 1st, when we were told our baby we were carrying in the womb had died.  I have never experienced such a loss before and would never wish it on anyone.  People think that once you are over the '12 week' mark it is pretty certain that the baby you are pregnant with will make it to full-term.  I now know different.  Each baby born is a miracle in itself.  Having this happen to me has made me realise this, along with my attitude that life is too short to not see the sights, to taste life and enjoy what it offers.  Stop and Smell the roses, isn't that what you say?  

It made me realise just how fantastic medical science is and how special doctors and nurses really are.  I was offered much sympathy and empathy during my hospital stay and feel forever in the Cairns Base Hospital debt.  It also made me realise how lucky I actually am to have one healthy, beautiful daughter.  Even on her grumpy days I still love her to pieces.  How lucky am I?

Thank goodness that was my only low point.  Hopefully that was the lowest point in my whole entire life, past, present and future.  

Leaving our much loved home in Trinity Beach, in Cairns was bittersweet.  As much as we loved the place, especially our apartment and so close to a beautiful tropical beach, we were ready to move on as we knew there were new adventures to have.  (And what an adventure this is turning out to be!)

After spending six weeks in Victoria I realised how much I missed Lyndon's companionship but also realised just how wonderful Skype is!  *heehee*  I also never knew how much I whinged about the cold weather!  (I kept telling myself to stop banging on about it - yet when we were in London I don't think I actually whinged about the cold but accepted it!)  It was nice to spend a bit of time in my growing-up stomping ground but towards the end I was over it.  I was missing the nice warm weather, missing my old Monet (she was a different girl in Victoria - trust me, but the old Monet has returned) and missing my Lyndon.  

I worked out who exactly were my friends and just how valuable they can be in times of need.  I have friends who made the effort to fly to join Lyndon and I on our wedding day, even though we only gave them two weeks notice.  I also had a couple of close friends in Cairns who were always a good ear when you needed one!  My parents organised flights for my mum to come in my hour of need to help with Monet.  My mother-in-law came and also lent an ear the day after my mum flew home to Victoria.  Even my sister considered coming over form London.

I met two, no three actual blog friends in the flesh this year (and are now friends for life), Bob-Kat in London and both Sheeps Clothing and House & Baby in Melbourne.  As much as I want to meet all of you, I especially wish to one day meet Kikimiss - I think we're even best 'Facebook' buddies!  *heehee* I know I will hopefully get the opportunities to meet more of you down the track!  Gee I love the blogosphere!!  This year too, I caught up with a good High School buddy (hi Lulu) and my old work mate, Kate, (you know I love you!)  One of my favourite bloggers I get to meet (again) on Friday.  *smirk*

I am not one for 'new year resolutions', but my point of view on a lot of things have changed - some quickly, some slowly.  If there is one thing I want to do this coming 2009 is to become a regular blood donor and a supporter of Research into forms of Trisomy 21, 18 and 13.   (It is a scary thought in hospital when they tell you that you may need a blood transfer and knowing how low blood supplies are in Australia, it frightened me).  

My other 'resolution' in 2009 is to appreciate the small things in my life (which I already do, but I think more so) and not try and be so materialistic.  Yes, it is nice to be able to have new things but there is more to life than having newer and bigger and better things (though I won't complain if Lyndon walked in with a new dishwasher! *grin*).  There is a whole world out there and the world is truly an amazing place, this I know.  I am grateful that we have had the opportunity to open up not only our own world, but for Monet too.  Lyndon and I keep saying to each other "How lucky is she?"  

So what a year (and what a long post!) hey?  I was told by a neighbour of mine in Trinity Beach that 2008 was predicted to be a year of change with 2009 to follow.  Well, knock me over with a feather - she was right!

Enjoy the new year festivities and remember that Life is short so make the most of it!  See you all in 2009 my friends...

Happy New Year!!!

401

Very typical of me, but my last post was actually my 400th post on this version of biglittlesister.  I also forgot to wish my sister's partner a Happy Birthday for the week just past.  I hope I am excused - I have had a lot going on. (As if *you* all didn't know!)

We spent last weekend in Melbourne.  It was nice to do a spot of shopping in some half decent shops, but since when has Melbourne become so blue, tight jean orientated?  *blah* Living in Cairns I swear you can get away with wearing anything, anywhere, but since Melbourne is so fashion savvy it was a good excuse for us to buy a few new threads each.  We really liked the new(ish) DFO at Spencer Street.  (We liked it soooo much better than the Morrabbin Airport one we used to visit when we lived in Melbourne three years ago.)

Much to our delight, the weather was 'pleasant', even though the skies weren't blue.

  

It was nice to wander along Southbank again and meet up with friends at the Riverland Bar, down below Federation Square along the Yarra.   We like that outdoor bar so much, we visited it both on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

We met up with even more friends at a pub in Richmond and enjoyed a dinner out in a Beer Garden.  Monet and I didn't stick around too late as the Cox Plate had been run and there were too many horrible drunk people around, otherwise we had a rather good time.  

All up it was nice to spend a couple of nights in the town we once called home.  We stayed at Oaks on Market which we had stayed at once before.  It is in a good position, is reasonably priced (including buffet breakfast) and we will stay there again down the track.  We also had this view from our hotel room.

As much as we love Melbourne and as much as we tell people how much we are Melbourne people at heart, we know we're not ready to move back there.  Obviously there are other roads for us to travel at the present and according to this article in today's The Age, we've made the right decision.  (You have no idea how many people have asked Lyndon to 'take my business card with you' and asked to pass on their resume.  It is making us think the past 10 months have honestly been worth it and we got in at the right time.)

Today, Lyndon arrived safely in Abu Dhabi.  He is currently amazed by it all (the shops, the compound we'll be living in, the city, the palm trees, the current beautiful heat).  He has already told me how much he thinks Monet and I will love it.  I know he is right.  And I can't wait to get over there too now!

Monet and I are now at my parents.  I'm keen to have a drink in honour of all the good things life has in store for my little family at present and to celebrate over 400 posts!  (Any excuse, I know!)

Four

My Monet has been 4, for a week now.  Oh my how she has grown.  In more ways than one.

Over the past year she has gone to being an intelligent 3 year old to an even smarter, world traveller 4 year old.  She always exceeds my expectation of her.  

I cannot believe that our little girl has travelled to far off lands and travels so well.  

She has a memory like an elephant and retells stories from ages ago.  She'll tell you too about the places she has visited and what she has seen and eaten in those far off lands.  

I threw her a little get together late last week.  No games or anything, just enjoying the company of her friends and food.  There had to be particular food you understand.  Her wish was granted, I am her mother after all.

The cake was a hit.  So was the fairy bread.

There are to be a lot of changes in our lives in the months to follow.  Some things she was indeed looking forward to are not going to eventuate, we know that, but we will give her joys in other ways.  

I cannot wait to show our Monet more of the world and to enjoy the things on offer to us.  And deep down, I know Monet feels the same.  As long as she know that the world is her oyster, then, I think she'll be okay. 

Happy 4th birthday year my little one.  Happy Birthday. 

Getting There

I am getting there friends.  

The road is tough but I am getting there.  

You have no idea how much your words and knowing I am in your thoughts mean to me.  It is a comforting thought, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You really have helped me along.

Life continues and our life ahead will be both a challenge and an exciting adventure.

Lyndon's job offer arrived last Monday, one of the blackest days in my life.  Lyndon said he didn't know whether to laugh or cry when it arrived in our 'inbox'.  It took him a good half an hour to open it.  I personally think it probably couldn't have arrived at a more appropriate time as it got me through the ordeal I had to endure on the Tuesday.

So, we are off to Abu Dhabi in a couple of months time.  We have lots to do around the place (sort, chuck, keep, pack, clean, find tenants etc.,) which will be just the thing I need to keep my mind off things.  Yes, I won't work too hard, I will still be taking it easy!  I'll start next week when Lyndon's mother leaves.  (I had my mum up here for 4 days last week and now Lyndon's mum here for a week.  It has been wonderful.)

Last Thursday night I kept my mind off things by producing this...

...a 'Barbie' cake for Monet's 4th birthday.  A special request from a special little girl.

It is amazing the things you can achieve when you want your mind set somewhere else.  

The Weather Makes A Difference To One's Thoughts...

Far Northern Queensland was at its spectacular best today.  It seems like ages when there hasn't been a breath of wind, pure blue skies and sapphire coloured water up here.  

July the 27th to me, always meant cold, blustery, wintery days, dinner at the local Chinese restaurant in the country town I grew up in, EJ (Teddy) Whitten's birthday (don't ask) and my sister's birthday.  Yeah, it is my big sister's birthday today.  Happy birthday Kimbofo!

But today, we woke to this glorious day and needed to do something.  We needed to get out and soak up this lovely weather and so we did.  We drove the 45-odd minutes up to Port Douglas.

It was just what we needed to gather our thoughts and appreciate where we live and the track we've driven to get to where we are today...(Can you tell we are in the middle of a dilemma?)  

And then you see the unexpected to make you rethink things again.

Happy Birthday Kimbofo once again.  Enjoy your day.  (I know our gift arrived but did our card?)

Baby Don't Cry

...I still miss him.



Here is one of my favourite INXS tunes and filmclips for your enjoyment. Baby Don't Cry.  (But sometimes it feels better when you do!)

Where Were Zig and Zag?

In 1982, when my family was holidaying in Coffs Harbour, we visited the Circus.  I can't remember too much about it bar the clowns who *freaked* me out a little, but I am sure I enjoyed it.  

Yesterday I took Monet to the Circus which hit town on the weekend.  

I wasn't too keen on going myself but when a child sees the Big Top and bangs on (& on & on) about it, my best bet was to take her.  She had a choice of seeing Kung Fu Panda at the cinema (which I would love to see), the Cairns Tropical Zoo or the Circus.  We all know what she chose.  

We went to a morning show and actually pretty much enjoyed all the performances.  

I always find it cruel to see performing animals *sob* and a part of me felt terribly guilty paying to see performing Lions, Ponies and Monkeys.  *guilt, guilt*  The lions, I have to admit, were absolutely gorgeous and Monet thought it was hilarious to see a monkey riding a bike *oh the guilt*.

Monet loved the two clowns and I agree, they were pretty funny.  Since when have clowns been in their 20s?  I must be getting old.

About 45 minutes into the show Monet declared that she wanted to leave.  Typical.  I wasn't leaving after forking out about $40 to go.  Was she kidding?  

It got so terribly hot under the Big Top.  Because Cairns is a naturally humid place to begin with, the heat inside was unbearable at one stage.  I'm glad I took with us a one litre of water because we both kept drinking from it.  I was also grateful for the break at half time where I swear everyone flaked out on the grass saying they needed fresh air.  

So that was our Circus experience.  It was nice to see Monet's face light up at certain points in the show and it was nice for us two to do something like that together. At least I know when the Circus hits town next time we won't have to go.  

:-)

London Loves

(Thanks to Blur for the title of this post!)

There is something about going back to London that feels like home.  

I have been to London a few times now and even though a lot has changed over the years, it doesn't feel like it does.  It feels like home.  It also helps that my only sibling lives there too! I know of people who bag London but I never will.  I'm sure it would be different to living in the place rather than visiting it, as I have, but people shouldn't knock it.  I think it is a wonderful city.  I want to go back...

It was nice to see Kimbofo's face after our trip over to the continent.  We had settled into our hotel (we stayed again at the Premier Inn, Kensington) and spent the late afternoon in Holland Park (with her) so Monet could have a run around...

No, we didn't play any ball games!

We were absolutely exhausted after our big day of traveling from Venice, which involved catching a ferry to the bus terminal, catching a bus, changing buses on the mainland of Venice, catching a bus from the airport terminal to the actual plane out on the runway, an aeroplane, a train from Gatwick to Victoria Station and then a tube train.  To say we were exhausted really is an understatement...

It was nice to be back in London that afternoon.  It only felt like yesterday.  

London Loves. 

More London to come.

Stay tuned...

We'll Be Back...One Day...*fingers crossed*

On our final full day in Venice we headed over to the Island of Murano.  It is very much like the Island of Venice, though smaller in size, not 'quite' so busy, but every shop sold glass.  Glass and more glass.  It is famous because of it I suppose, so we shouldn't have been surprised to see every shop window looking a bit like this...

  

There seemed to be 'lots' of locals living there too, which was good to see.  There were people going about their own business, shopping in their local Co-op supermarket and buying fresh produce off boats in the main canal...

If you ask Monet, she had 'the' best chocolate ice-cream here...

We caught a ferry back to Venice which we really enjoyed.  It took us right around the outskirts of the city so we got to see some great sights we otherwise might not have seen.  And we got to have a bit of fun taking self portraits. *heehee*

In Venice we found ourselves wandering again.  And getting lost.  And taking loads of photos.  And eating some delicious pizza.  And waving goodbye to the Gondolas (& getting waves back which was nice!)

I think by now you would have gathered that we loved Venice.  It stole a piece of my heart so I must go back to find it.

The next morning we made our way, bright and early, to Marco Polo Airport and flew back to London...

Stay tuned...

The Venetian Wanderers

We spent 3 (freezing) nights in Venice, in our Hotel room.  The room had no heating.  

Lyndon went to the front desk and complained about how cold he was overnight in bed.  

"This is Venice.  It is cold at night.  This hotel doesn't have heating - it is too expensive to run" was what he was told.  With the price we paid, we expected heating.  When we retuned that afternoon from wandering, we found an extra six blankets in our room.  

But we know we weren't the only ones who were cold during the night.  The breakfast room was full of people who looked like us.  Like they had a night freezing their butts off!  

But that is our only complaint about Venice - our cold (sterile) Hotel room.  And too many tourists.  But I guess we were only adding to the tourist problem.  Venice has something like 20 million visitors a year (!!)

We spent our first full day in Venice wandering.  Because that is what you do in Venice - wander.  We wanted to get lost in the maze of lanes and discover little hidden parts of the Island City...

We crossed so many bridges (there are something like over 400 here) we made a mental note to ourselves to leave the stroller back at the hotel when we set out next!

We ate some of the best Pizza we had eaten in our life and had some refreshing fruit from a market stall that were selling chopped up fruit like it was going out of fashion... At 1 euro and 50 cents, it was one of the cheapest things to eat! (Monet was reminiscing about the Strawberries she ate from this stall when she spied me posting this photo!)

We seemed to constantly find ourselves back at the Piazza San Marco because that's where the packs of tourists seemed to flock to.  Along with the pigeons.  Why people want to feed them and have the dirty birds land on you is so beyond me...

We also found ourselves during part of the day, at the lovely quieter section of Dorsoduro, alongside the Canal della Giudecca.  We were staying in the San Marco section which is a tourist mecca, so we decided that next time (I wish) we'll stay in this quieter section...

Wandering is exhausting and it is hard to know how far you have walked in Venice but we weren't complaining.  It is a great little city to pound the pavement (you have no choice, except if you want to go on a gondola, which we didn't.)

Can someone shout me a trip back to Venice?  All this Venetian talk is making me sick, especially looking at these photos!!  I think my heart belongs in Venice *sigh*

More to come on Venice...

Stay tuned...